A Taste for Green: A Global Perspective on Ancient Jade, Turquoise and Variscite Exchange (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781789252743)

Often along vast expanses, ancient societies traded certain commodities that were considered valuable either for functional or symbolic reasons - or, rather, a mixture of both factors. A Taste for Green addresses latest research into the acquisition of jade, turquoise or variscite, all of which share a characteristic greenish color and an engaging appearance once they are polished in the shape of axes or assorted adornments. Papers explore how, in addition to constituting economic transactions, the transfess of these materials were also statements of social liaisons, personal capacities, and relation to places or to unseen forces.

The volume centers on two study areas, Western Europe and M xico/Southwest US, which are far apart not just in geographical terms but also with regard to their chronology and socioeconomic features. While some North and Mesoamerican groups range from relatively complex farming societies up to state-like organizations during the 1st and 2nd millennia AD, the European counterparts are comparatively simpler polities spanning the 5th-3rd millennia BC. By contrasting the archaeological evidence from diverse areas we may gain insights into the role that production/movement of these green stones played in their respective political and ritual economies. Also, we think it useful to compare the scientific approaches applied to this question in different parts of the globe, specially Asia.

Author: Carlos Rodr?uez-Rell疣
ISBN-10: 1789252741
ISBN-13: 9781789252743
Publisher: Oxbow Books Limited
Language: English
Published: 02/08/2020
Pages: 192
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.55lbs
Size: 9.70h x 6.90w x 0.70d